Remember to order repeat prescriptions in time for Easter

The NHS North West’s Chief Pharmacist is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions if they are due ahead of the Easter break.

Every bank holiday the NHS 111 phone service sees huge increases in people contacting it about repeat prescriptions – and on some occasions last year saw 5 times the number of calls from the days before.

Karen O’Brien MBE leads the pharmacy service across the region and has advised that any repeat prescriptions due in the days over the Easter Bank Holiday will need to be ordered before Monday, April 3 at the latest.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Easter period, and many will be closed from Friday, April 14 to Monday, April 17, making it more challenging for patients to access medicines at short notice.

Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the break puts added pressure on already busy services.

Karen said: “By re-stocking medicine cabinets, knowing when your GP practice is open and planning ahead for repeat prescriptions, people can ensure they make the most of the Easter period.

“Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a health condition such as diabetes, and is the last thing you want to do while your friends and family are together.”

The region’s lead GP Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care, reiterated the message, saying: “If you take regular medications, for whatever reason, and if you are due a repeat prescription in the week leading up to Easter or over the Easter period, please remember to always request your repeat via your practice or the NHS app at least 72 hours in advance.

“This enables your practice and pharmacy to have your repeat ready in time for you.

"This is particularly important ahead of bank holiday weekends.

"Please help us to help you and avoid any gaps in your medication,”

Karen added: “The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is by using GP online services, via the NHS App or through your GP practice website.

"If you do not have access to GP online services, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.”

If people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, they can check their symptoms and get access to advice using 111.nhs.uk online.

NHS 111 is a free service which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.